Take the Mold Allergy Quiz

Molds are microscopic fungi that are everywhere in our environment. Learn about mold allergy by taking this multiple-choice quiz.

1. How many species of mold exist?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Estimates range from the tens of thousands to more than 300,000, according to the CDC.

A. 10,000B. 50,000C. 100,000D. No one knows

2. People sensitive to molds are allergic to what part of the mold organism?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Molds release spores. The spores are carried by air, water, or insects. People are actually allergic to the spores. Allergy symptoms include nasal stuffiness and eye irritation. More severe reactions may also occur. Mold allergies can worsen symptoms or cause flare-ups in some people with asthma.

A. Flower petalsB. Pollen grainsC. SporesD. Seeds

3. Molds inside the home are often found:

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Molds grow better in warm, humid conditions such as the basement or the shower, the CDC says. Other common indoor sites include pipes, damp walls, and houseplants. Damp ceiling tiles, cardboard, and wood also grow mold.

A. In the showerB. In the bedroomC. In the basementD. A and C

4. How do mold spores get into a house?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Mold spores are constantly drifting through the air, the CDC says. Once the spores are in your house and drop on places that have excessive moisture, they will grow. Some places might surprise you: dust, paints, wallpaper, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

A. Through open doors and windowsB. Through air conditioning systemsC. On petsD. On clothing or shoesE. All of the above

5. Molds grow in places other than in your home, including:

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Molds grow outdoors in shady, damp areas. They are also found in antique shops, greenhouses, saunas, flower shops, and summer cottages. On farms, mold is often found in hay, straw, or grain.

A. Swimming poolsB. Under treesC. Grocery storesD. None of the above

6. If you think you have mold in your house, how should you test for it?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

It doesn't matter what kind of mold is growing. The most important thing is to get rid of it, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says. Professional testers are expensive. Whether you or someone else does the testing, no standards have been established for acceptable levels of mold.

A. Hire a professional to examine the moldB. Buy a testing kit and do it yourselfC. Don't bother with testing; just clean up the moldD. None of the above

7. How can you tell if you have a mold problem?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

You can remove mold growth with commercial mold-killing products or with a weak bleach solution (one cup of bleach for each gallon of water), the EPA says. After cleaning, dry the area completely.

A. You can see the moldB. You can smell the moldC. Those in your family sensitive to mold spores have symptomsD. All of the above

8. If you are sensitive to mold spores, which of these steps should you take in your home?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The main way to control mold growth is to get rid of moisture as much as possible. You can do this by keeping the humidity low in your house. An air conditioner and/or dehumidifier can help during humid weather. Other tips: Be sure your home has good ventilation, including exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms. Fix leaky plumbing. Use mold-killing products when you clean the bathrooms. Remove or replace any carpets or upholstery that has gotten wet.

A. Keep the humidity level in the house above 80 percentB. Don't use an air conditioner or dehumidifierC. Don't put carpeting in bathrooms or basementsD. Paint over moldy areas to hide themE. All of the above